Manchester United aim to bounce back against Brighton at Old Trafford

Match Preview

Manchester United welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to Old Trafford in a Premier League match that both teams will see as an opportunity to secure vital points.
United are looking to improve their standing after a mixed run of results, while Brighton aim to build on recent performances.
United's recent form has been inconsistent, with their last five league matches yielding two wins, one draw, and two losses.
This inconsistency has seen them slip to 13th place, a position they will be eager to improve upon.
The recent 3-1 victory over Southampton, courtesy of Amad Diallo's hat-trick, provided a boost, but subsequent matches have not maintained that momentum.
Brighton, positioned 10th in the league with 28 points, come into this match after a 2-0 win against Ipswich Town, ending an eight-game winless streak.
They have shown resilience and will be keen to capitalise on United's vulnerabilities.
With both teams seeking to climb the table, the match promises to be closely fought.

Team Analysis

Manchester United have struggled to establish consistency this season.
At home, they average 1.3 goals scored per game but concede 1.6, highlighting defensive concerns.
With home losses accounting for 50% of their matches at Old Trafford, improving home form is paramount.
Defensively, United have conceded an average of 1.4 goals per game, which Brighton's attackers may aim to exploit.
Offensively, United average 1.2 goals per game, indicating room for improvement in converting chances.
Brighton & Hove Albion have performed solidly on the road.
They score an average of 1.6 goals per away game and concede the same number.
Notably, 80% of their away matches have seen both teams scoring, indicating open and competitive games.
A high percentage of their matches have more than 2.5 goals, suggesting that their games are often high-scoring affairs.
Their away record includes 30% wins and 40% draws, demonstrating their capability to secure results away from home.
Both teams have shown a tendency for matches with multiple goals, which could make for an entertaining game.
Manchester United will need to tighten their defense, while Brighton might seek to take advantage of any defensive lapses.

Player Analysis

For Manchester United, Amad Diallo has emerged as a key figure, showcasing his talent with a hat-trick against Southampton and a vital equaliser against Liverpool.
His creativity and goal-scoring ability have been bright spots in United's campaign.
The midfield will rely on the experience of Christian Eriksen and the leadership of Bruno Fernandes to control the game and supply the forwards.
United face injury challenges that may impact their lineup.
Luke Shaw and Mason Mount remain sidelined, affecting defensive and midfield options.
Doubts over Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez could further impact the backline.
The return of Harry Maguire adds experience to the defense, but squad depth will be tested.
Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma and Georginio Rutter have been influential, both scoring in their recent victory.
Tariq Lamptey has contributed important goals, adding to their attacking threat.
Veteran James Milner brings experience to the midfield, providing stability and leadership.
Injuries to players like Evan Ferguson and potential doubts over Tariq Lamptey may affect their selections, but the possible return of Valentin Barco could strengthen their defence.

Expected Lineup

Manchester United are likely to set up in a 3-4-2-1 formation.
Andre Onana is expected to start in goal, with a back three comprising Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt.
With doubts over Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane, Erik ten Hag may need to adjust his defensive options.
Wing-backs Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot may provide width, while Christian Eriksen and Manuel Ugarte anchor the midfield.
Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo could support striker Joshua Zirkzee in attack.
Brighton & Hove Albion may adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Jason Steele should continue as goalkeeper, with defenders Joel Veltman, Jan Paul van Hecke, Lewis Dunk, and Jack Hinshelwood forming the back four.
James Milner and Mats Wieffer might hold the midfield, providing experience and stability.
The attacking trio of Yankuba Minteh, João Pedro, and Kaoru Mitoma will aim to support Danny Welbeck at the forefront of the attack.
Manager Fabian Hürzeler could focus on exploiting United's defensive uncertainties, encouraging his side to press high and utilise the pace of Mitoma and Minteh on the flanks.
The possible return of Valentin Barco could add options in defence.

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Both Teams Not to Score (2.25)

Manchester United's home matches have often resulted in only one team finding the net. This season, 70% of their games at Old Trafford have ended without both teams scoring. United are focusing on tightening their defence after conceding in recent fixtures. The return of experienced defenders like Harry Maguire and the potential inclusion of Raphael Varane could strengthen their backline significantly.
Brighton's attack may be less potent due to injuries to key players such as Evan Ferguson and doubts over Tariq Lamptey. With these absences, their ability to break down United's defence could be limited. Historically, more than half of the matches between these teams have seen at least one side failing to score. United's emphasis on defensive solidity points towards a match where only one team gets on the scoresheet.
Manchester United will be determined to secure a clean sheet to build momentum. Their average of 1.6 goals conceded per home game is something they are keen to improve upon. Facing a Brighton side that has struggled for consistency in front of goal, United have a good chance of preventing their opponents from scoring. Considering these factors, backing both teams not to score offers value.

Manchester United to Win (2.18)

Manchester United have the opportunity to capitalise on home advantage and secure a much-needed victory. They have won 40% of their matches at Old Trafford this season and are eager to climb the league table. The recent 3-1 triumph over Southampton, highlighted by Amad Diallo's standout performance, showed their capability when key players step up.
Brighton's away record shows they have won only 30% of their matches on the road. Injuries to important squad members could hamper their performance at Old Trafford. United's midfield, led by Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen, has the creativity to unlock defences and supply the forwards with scoring opportunities.
Historically, United have a strong record against Brighton at home, winning 66% of their encounters at Old Trafford. This head-to-head advantage, combined with their determination to improve their league position, suggests they are well-placed to secure all three points. With the backing of their supporters and the return of key players, United are a solid pick for the win.

Joshua Zirkzee to Score First (6.25)

Joshua Zirkzee is expected to lead the attack for Manchester United in this fixture. With Marcus Rashford's fitness uncertain due to illness, Zirkzee has the chance to make a significant impact. His physical presence and finishing skills make him a prime candidate to open the scoring.
United's creative midfielders, such as Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen, are adept at providing quality service to their forwards. Zirkzee will benefit from their vision and passing ability, increasing his chances of finding the net. Facing a Brighton defence that concedes an average of 1.6 goals per away game, he has a favourable opportunity to break through.
Zirkzee's recent performances have shown promise, and he will be motivated to seize his opportunity on the big stage. Brighton may be vulnerable due to injuries in their defensive line, which Zirkzee can exploit with his movement and goal-scoring instincts. Backing him to score first offers substantial value given his role and the circumstances.

Bet Builder: Combine the above three bets for odds of 30.66

By combining Both Teams Not to Score (2.25), Manchester United to Win (2.18), and Joshua Zirkzee to Score First (6.25), you can achieve attractive odds of 30.66. A £10 stake on this Bet Builder could return £306.60 if all selections are successful.